FORT WORTH, Texas – Texas Parks and Wildlife Division officials discovered giant salvinia at the Alley Creek Boat Ramp on Tuesday at Lake O’ the Pines and immediately notified U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials.
Working rapidly with TPWD and the North East Texas Municipal Water District, agency officials determined the extent of the infestation and collected the aquatic plant parts for disposal. At this time it is determined to be localized to the Alley Creek Boat Ramp and officials continue to monitor the situation but have closed the Alley Creek Day Use Boat Ramp until further notice.
Giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) is an invasive aquatic plant which is easily transported in live wells, bilges and upon boats and trailers. Giant salvinia is a hardy aquatic plant which spreads easily, and very rapidly.
Boaters are required by state law to take protective measures to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic plants. All recreational users are responsible for inspecting all gear; including duck decoy bags and decoys, bilge areas, live wells, boats, and trailers prior to entering or leaving any body of water.
Transporting giant salvinia is a class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 per violation. If you spot giant salvinia, please immediately report it to TPWD at 409-384-9965, or giantsalvinia@tpwd.state.tx.us.
Additional information may be obtained by calling the Lake O’ the Pines Project Office at 903-665-2336 or visiting http://www.texasinvasives.org/.
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About the Fort Worth District: The Fort Worth District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was established in 1950. The District is responsible for water resources development in two-thirds of Texas, and design and construction at military installations in Texas and parts of Louisiana and New Mexico. Visit the Fort Worth District Web site at: www.swf.usace.army.mil and SWF Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Worth-District-US-Army-Corps-of-Engineers/188083711219308
Release no. 13-004